The Office of Planning and Development increases resilience and sustainable growth of New York communities by advancing progressive land use solutions, community-based development and building standards and codes. This is accomplished through partnerships with community-based organizations, academia, governments including development, natural resource and social service agencies and other stakeholders.

Thought Leadership for New York’s Economic Future and Community Resilience.

The Division of Planning undertakes planning resulting in catalytic public and private projects that stimulate community revitalization – as identified and prioritized by the New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program (NYRCR), Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) strategies, Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRP) or Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) plans.

The Division of Development uses and grows the Office’s development expertise to implement development projects resulting from Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) plans, Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRP), the New York Rising Community Reconstruction Program (NYRCR), Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) strategies, and other Office initiatives; and, partners with local governments, community-based organizations, neighborhood associations, business leaders, investors, and academia to generate good ideas, align programs, and marshal resources to achieve successful outcomes.

Ensure the Health, Safety and Resilience of the Built Environment for all New Yorkers.

The Division of Building Standards and Codes (BSC) administers the mandatory statewide Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) and State Energy Conservation Construction Code (Energy Code). The Division provides a variety of services related to the Uniform Code and Energy Code. It provides technical assistance, administers variances, delivers educational courses, oversees the enforcement practices of local governments and serves as secretariat to the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council. The Albany Central Office and eleven regional offices throughout the state provide regional service to elected officials and local code enforcement personnel regarding general requirements for code enforcement. The Division program was created by Chapter 707 of the Laws of 1981. The New York Legislature enacted Article 18 of the Executive Law, directing the formulation of a Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code). The Uniform Code is designed to cover new construction, building rehabilitation, fire safety, and housing maintenance.

The Division of Technical Assistance harnesses technologies that can be paired with program development, training, and technical services to elevate the Office’s public profile, provide electronic access to the Department’s assets, help steer staff development, and shape new initiatives and programs.